Case study: Kerry Don, Petpals Chingford and Epping Forest
20th May 2016
Name: Kerry Don
Age: 34
Region: Chingford and Epping Forest
Number of clients: Over 90
Before buying her Petpals franchise, Kerry worked for nine years as an accountant in the city of London. After being made redundant she decided she’d had enough of long commutes and 12 hour days, so started to look around at other options, hoping to find something that would give her a better quality of life. Fortuitously, Kerry’s friend’s mum owned the Chingford Petpals before her, so she was able to see first-hand what a great business it was and right from the start it seemed like the perfect fit for her. Since childhood Kerry had always been a big animal lover, so, after doing thorough research into the brand, Kerry took the plunge and met the Petpals Director, to discuss buying the franchise and setting up her very own Petpals business.
What is Petpals?
Petpals provides pet care services including dog sitting, cat sitting, dog walking and pet boarding. There are currently over 50 Petpals franchisees operating across the UK, all running their own business from home, with the backing and extensive support network of the Petpals brand.
What is it like being a Petpals Franchisee?
Kerry has now swapped the office environment for the outdoors and spends her days walking dogs and looking after an assortment of pets – all around raising her 18-month old son.
With over 90 clients, Kerry’s business is booming.
“My day starts mid-morning when I start to pick up dogs from across my area to give them 45 minute walks, after grabbing a quick lunch, I do the same in the afternoon and in between will look after any pets that are boarding with me. I currently have dogs, rabbits, cats and a snake on my client list!”
Kerry became a mum shortly after setting up her own business and says one of the best things about working for herself is being able to manage her own time, enabling her to spend lots of time with her 18-month old son;
“I love being my own boss and being able to arrange my day around my son’s childcare arrangements. My childminder looks after him when I’m out walking the dogs, but other than that he’s at home with me. It’s a perfect set up for us and so different to how it could’ve been if I was still working long hours in the city, which would’ve meant hardly seeing him during the week.”
What’s the best thing about running your own Petpals business?
“Definitely being my own boss and being able to work my day around my son. Another bonus is that I get to spend lots more time with my mum these days, who, as one of my insured, uniformed, ID badged and CRB checked pet carers, joins me on lots of my dog walks.
“I also love the thanks and appreciation I get every day from my clients, who are trusting me to look after their pets; and of course from the pets themselves – it’s so rewarding.”
What would your advice be to anyone considering setting up their own franchise with Petpals?
“Just go for it! I’m so glad I made the jump. I’m a lot happier now than I was before and my quality of life has improved so much. Setting up a business can be daunting, but Petpals have always been there to provide me with advice and support along the way. I’ve never looked back.”
